DGC North Solway Coast Path for RIBA 2-4 design

Description

Dumfries and Galloway Council has a requirement to progress the proposed 500km North Solway Coastal Path project to RIBA Stage 4 technical design. The project is part of the Solway Coast and Marine Project – landscape connections project, part funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Landscape Connections programme. Lot 1: Dumfries and Galloway Council has a requirement to progress the proposed 500km North Solway Coastal Path project to RIBA Stage 4 technical design. The project is part of the Solway Coast and Marine Project – landscape connections project, part funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Landscape Connections programme. The project has been awarded a stage 1 development and the timescale for this element of the project is expected to include tender requests being issued in December 2025/ January 2026 with a delivery phase for this stage of 11-12 months ending in December 2026. It is anticipated that the construction phase will commence in late 2027, dependent on a successful stage 2 application to the NLHF Landscape Connections programme, with an 8-year implementation period. Many sections of the route are already designated core paths however there are gaps in the coast network, and the existing access infrastructure is variable in quality. The deliverables from the design phase will be based on an agreed physical sub-division of the route provided which is based on an initial business case proposal and will include: · Creation of a GIS digital mapping information layer to an agreed format · Detailed information on land ownerships derived from SCOTLIS, investigations, existing records and local knowledge. · Survey of agreed routes and existing route infrastructure including an audit of existing Core Path sections for current condition, useability and signage · Recommendations for upgrading of existing path sections to an agreed standard for a promoted route · Identification of potential candidate fully accessible route sections suitable for all abilities to viewpoints/ places of interest from access points and linking to coastal gateway sites and car parks. · Directional signage strategy and detailed recommendations for implementation · Detailed design access infrastructure proposals for existing Core Path sections · Options appraisal for new path section and initial discussions with landowners · Detailed design proposals for new path route sections including access infrastructure and surfacing types · Detailed costings and designs for proposed works for each route section and sub divided into each individual landholding · A full project delivery plan based on sections and schedule in both electronic and hard copy format · Proposals and recommendations for a phased delivery.